Controlling method using graphical user interface

ABSTRACT

A method of performing a control operation on a target apparatus in a network including a step of creating a function information file describing control functions of the target apparatus, a step of forming a control window by gathering control functions stored in the function information file, a step of storing the control window in a performance information file, and a step of performing control operations by retrieving the control window from the performance information file. The method prepares beforehand the function information file that stores information of various functions of the target apparatuses and their platforms. The window for controlling the target apparatuses can be created by cutting and pasting necessary control functions from the function information file to the control window. The control functions created in the window are stored in the performance information file. A function performance unit retrieves a control function to perform the control operation accordingly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a method of performinga control operation, and more particularly, to a method of performing acontrol operation wherein the creation of a system control screen(window) is easy and the efficient reduction in the occurrence ofprogram bugs is possible in the system control operation using thesystem control screen.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] In a conventional development of a network management system(NMS) that enables efficient control of a large scale network, someproblems still remain unsolved.

[0005] When a control terminal performs various control operations tocontrol apparatuses under the control of the control terminal, thecontrol terminal first transmits a command to the apparatuses and theapparatuses return information in response to the command so that thecontrol terminal can display the information on a control screen andenter the information in a database. The apparatuses under the controlof the control terminal, however, are different in specifications. Thecommand that the control terminal transmits to each apparatus may bedifferent apparatus by apparatus depending on the specification of theapparatus. Thus, a control program tuned for each apparatus isconventionally developed.

[0006] The development of the control programs takes a long time andincurs a large cost since each control program is developed separatelydue to the difference in control objects and platforms of theapparatuses that the control program controls. Since control programsare developed separately by different engineers, each control programmay contain different bugs. Sustaining a certain level of quality of thedeveloped control programs is difficult due to the difference in thecapabilities of the engineers. Furthermore, the debugging of thedeveloped control programs further delays the completion of thedevelopment because the function of each control program needs to beverified individually.

[0007] The Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 5-204858 disclosesa control system that efficiently controls multimedia apparatuses havingdifferent external control specifications. The control system createscontrol commands and stores the control commands in a command filebeforehand. The control system retrieves a control command from thecommand file in response to a request from a data input/output apparatusand transmits the retrieved control command to a control objectapparatus. The parameters of the control command are unchangeable. If auser desires to change the parameters, the user is required to create anew command. In the case wherein many combinations of parameters exist,the creation of the new command may take a long time. The user may notbe able to customize an operational screen (window) depending ondifferences in the control objects' specifications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention toprovide a novel and useful method of performing control operation thatsolves the above problem, and more particularly, to provide a method ofperforming control operation wherein control screens (windows)corresponding to control object apparatuses having differentspecifications are created without difficulties and the controloperation of a network system is easily and smoothly performed using thecreated control screens.

[0009] To achieve the above object, a method of performing a controloperation on a target apparatus, according to the present invention,includes a step of creating a function information file describingcontrol functions of said target apparatus, a step of forming saidcontrol operation by gathering control functions stored in said functioninformation file, a step of storing said control operation in aperformance information file, and a step of performing said controloperation by retrieving control windows from said performanceinformation file.

[0010] That is, the method according to the present invention preparesbeforehand the function information file that stores information ofvarious functions of the target apparatuses and their platforms. Acontrol window for controlling the target apparatuses can be created bycutting and pasting necessary control functions from the functioninformation file to the control window. The control functions created inthe control window are stored in the performance information file. Afunction performance unit retrieves a control function to perform thecontrol operation accordingly.

[0011] Since only the function information file depends on the variousspecifications of target apparatuses and the function performance unitis common to all the target apparatuses, the creation of a controlprogram for apparatuses having various specifications and/or platformsbecomes easier. The possibility of program bugs is reduced because theperformance information file is created through a cut-and-paste processusing a graphical user interface.

[0012] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present inventionwill become more apparent from the following detailed description whenread in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a network system accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram showing the network systemshowed in FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a series of control operationsaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 4 is another flow chart showing a series of controloperations according to an embodiment;

[0017]FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the creation of a functioninformation file and a performance information file used in a networkcontrol system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 6A is a data diagram showing a transmission frame transmittedby a network control system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0019]FIG. 6B is a data diagram showing a response frame received by anetwork control system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0020]FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram showing a method of editing thefunction information of a network control system according to anembodiment;

[0021]FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram showing a function performance unitaccording to an embodiment;

[0022]FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a performanceinformation file of a network control system according to an embodiment;

[0023]FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a managerial operation of a networkmanagement system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 10 is an example of a function information file according toan embodiment;

[0025]FIG. 11 is an example of a performance information file accordingto an embodiment;

[0026]FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams showing a process inwhich a performance information file is created according to anembodiment;

[0027]FIGS. 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams showing a process inwhich a performance information file is created according to anembodiment;

[0028]FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic diagrams showing a process inwhich a performance information file is created according to anembodiment;

[0029]FIGS. 15A and 15B are schematic diagrams showing a process inwhich a performance information file is created according to anembodiment;

[0030]FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an information frameaccording to an embodiment;

[0031]FIG. 17 shows a function ID table according to an embodiment;

[0032]FIG. 18 shows an operation table according to an embodiment;

[0033]FIG. 19 shows a managed object table according to an embodiment;

[0034]FIG. 20 shows an apparatus table according to an embodiment;

[0035]FIG. 21 shows a parameter-floor 1 table according to anembodiment;

[0036]FIG. 22 shows a parameter-floor 2 table according to anembodiment;

[0037]FIG. 23 shows a parameter-group table according to an embodiment;

[0038]FIG. 24 shows a parameter-apparatus number table according to anembodiment;

[0039]FIG. 25 shows a parameter-IP address table according to anembodiment;

[0040]FIG. 26 shows a command response-setup table according to anembodiment;

[0041]FIG. 27 shows a command response-reading table according to anembodiment;

[0042]FIG. 28 shows a command response-deleting table according to anembodiment;

[0043]FIG. 29 shows a “waiting for response” dialog table according toan embodiment;

[0044]FIGS. 30A, 30B, and 30C show display item tables according to anembodiment;

[0045]FIG. 31 shows a character classification table according to anembodiment; and

[0046]FIG. 32 shows a specific description table according to anembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] A detailed description of the preferred embodiments will be givenbelow by reference to the drawings.

[0048]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating network system controlby a network control system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0049] As showed in FIG. 1, the network system includes separate networkapparatuses 10 a, 21 a, 22 a, 23 a located in separate buildings 10, 21,22, 23, respectively. As showed in FIG. 2, these network apparatuses areconnected to a main channel and handle communications. These networkapparatuses are further connected to operator terminals such as a server10 b and clients 21 b, 22 b, 23 b, respectively, through a communicationchannel such as a LAN. The network apparatuses and the operatorterminals are connected each other through a communication channel suchas a WAN.

[0050] In the large scale network system as showed in FIGS. 1 and 2, acontrol program is installed in the server 10 b (or in each client 21 b,22 b, 23 b) to control the network apparatuses. An operator or a systemadministrator transmits a certain control frame (showed in FIG. 6A) toeach network apparatus 21 a, 22 a, and 23 a by operating the server 10b. A computer associated with each network apparatus returns a responseframe (showed in FIG. 6B) indicating various statuses of the networkapparatus in response to the control frame. The server 10 b receives theresponse frames from the computers controlling the network apparatusesbased on apparatus status.

[0051] The control program installed in the server includes a program todisplay a control screen (window) generated by a method of performingcontrol operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.The operator is required to register each control object apparatus(network apparatuses 21 a, 22 a, 23 a, . . . ) by following the controlscreens displayed on the monitor of the server by the program. The abovecontrol program installed in the server automatically generates andtransmits control frames corresponding to the specifications of eachnetwork apparatus.

[0052]FIGS. 3 and 4 are sequence diagrams showing a series of operationsof the server 10 b. The server 10 b generates a control frame(transmitting frame) for each network apparatus in response to theoperation of the operator and transmits the control frame to eachnetwork apparatus. Each network apparatus receives the control framefrom the server 10 b and returns a response frame to the server 10 b.The server 10 b performs certain control operations in response to thereceipt of the response frame from each network apparatus.

[0053] As showed in FIGS. 3 and 4, function performance unit 200(software) enables the operator to perform a control operation usingcontrol screens created according to an embodiment. The functionperformance unit 200 includes main program 100, transmission module 110,reception module 120, parameter set-up module 130, and display module140. The function performance unit 200 is installed in a hard disk driveof the server, for example. The function performance unit 200 reads aperformance information file created for each control object remotebuilding customized by the method according to the present invention,and performs control operation based on the performance information fileas showed in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0054] Main program 100 of function performance unit 200 readsinformation to be displayed in the main window from the performanceinformation file, and loads the information in memory (Step S1). Mainprogram 100 informs display module 140 of the information to bedisplayed in the main window (Step S2). Display module 140 displays theinformation in the main window (not shown) displayed on the monitor ofthe server (Step S3).

[0055] In the main window displayed on the monitor of the server, theoperator can make a selection of various windows including a selectionwindow in which the operator can set up parameters, for example. Inresponse to the operator's selection, main program 100 has displaymodule 140 to display the selection window on the monitor of the server(Steps S4 and S5).

[0056] In the selection window displayed on the monitor of the server,the operator is required to input various parameters. In the exampleshowed in FIG. 15, main program 100 requests the operator to input thefloor where the control object apparatus is located, a group number, anapparatus number, and an IP address of the control object apparatus.When the operator inputs the floor where the control object apparatus islocated in response to the main program's request (Steps S6), parametersetup module 130 stores the item of information at a correspondingposition of a control frame format (showed in FIG. 6A) prepared in thememory of the server. In the same manner, the other information, thatis, the group number, the apparatus number, and the IP address, input bythe operator is received by main program 100 and stored in correspondingpositions of the control frame format prepared in the memory of theserver (Steps S8, S9, S10, S11, S12, and S13).

[0057] After inputting the required information, the operator clickssetup button Ks in the selection window showed in FIG. 15A (Step S14).In response to the click on setup button Ks, transmission module 110transmits the control frame prepared in the memory of the server,containing parameters as described above (Step S15). In this embodiment,the control frame is transmitted to the IP address of the control objectapparatus via WAN/LAN. In another embodiment, any network protocol maybe used.

[0058] An IP address is assigned to each control object apparatus. Theabove control frame (setup frame) is received by the control objectapparatus designated by the IP address contained in the control frame.In response to the reception of the control frame, the control objectapparatus diagnoses itself based on the parameters. If the controlobject apparatus diagnoses itself as normal and is at least in standbystate, the control object apparatus returns to the server a responseframe (showed in FIG. 6B) indicating that the control object apparatusis normal. If the control object apparatus diagnoses itself as normalbut is not in the standby state, the control object apparatus sends aresponse frame indicating that the control object apparatus is unable toset up. If the control object apparatus diagnoses itself abnormal, thecontrol object apparatus sends a response frame indicating that thecontrol object apparatus is unable to setup. The response is sent to theIP address of the sender of the control frame. The server determineswhether the information items other than shaded ones in the responseframe as showed in FIG. 6B match corresponding information items in thecontrol frame to ensure that the response frame is a response to thecontrol frame transmitted by the server. If the information items match,the server further checks the shaded information items.

[0059] If the description of response in the response frame showed inFIG. 6B indicates that the control object apparatus is normal, theserver displays a setup window to let the operator set up the controlobject apparatus.

[0060] If the description of response in the response frame showed inFIG. 6B indicates that the control object apparatus is unable to set up,the server displays a message indicating that the control objectapparatus is abnormal, and then displays the setup window.

[0061] The function information file stores the specifications ofnetwork elements managed by the server in various tables (pattern)according to this embodiment. The performance information file iscreated based on the function information file as will be describedlater in detail. The function performance unit 200 is designed so thatit accepts only an input that complies with the pattern. Any input thatdoes not comply with the pattern is rejected. If an improper input ismade, the function performance unit 200 may display an error message andmay not have step S14 completed. Accordingly, the contents of theinformation frame transmitted to the managed apparatus automaticallyfits the specifications thereof. The managed apparatus can respond tothe information frame immediately.

[0062] As described above, the controlled apparatus performs a certainoperation in response to the control frame transmitted by the server andreturns a response frame to the server. This series of operations willbe described by reference to FIG. 4. The controlled apparatus receivesthe control frame (setup frame) and checks various state signals of thecontrolled apparatus itself. The controlled apparatus indicates theresult of the checking of the various state signals in the commandresponse column and the response description column in a response frame,and returns the response frame to the server.

[0063] As showed in FIG. 4, main program 100 sets a timer for measuringtime since the setup frame is transmitted in step S15 (step S21). Mainprogram 100 further reads the information about transition in theperformance information file (step S22). Main program 100 determineswhether the response frame has been received. If the response frame hasnot been received from the controlled apparatus, display module 140displays “waiting for response” dialog on the monitor of the server(step S23). If the response frame has been received, reception module120 receives the response frame (step S24).

[0064] Main program 100 determines whether the response frame has beenreceived by reception module 120 or the response frame is not receivedwithin the time limit (step S25). If the response frame indicates thatthe controlled apparatus is normal, main program 100 transits to thesetup window (step S29). If the response frame indicates that thecontrolled apparatus is abnormal or is not received within the timelimit, display module 140 displays an error dialog (step S28).

[0065] The operator registers the next controlled apparatus in the samemanner as described above by using the setup window. Once the operatorcompletes the registration of the controlled apparatuses, the operatorclicks the “finish” button Ke showed in FIG. 15A to close the setupwindow. In response to clicking, display module 140 deletes the setupwindow from the monitor and displays the above main window (step S31).If the operator desires to control any other apparatus, the operator canopen a setup window corresponding to the apparatus and control theapparatus. Once the operator finishes controlling all apparatuses thatthe operator desires to control, the operator has main program 100 closethe main window (step S32). Display module 140 deletes the main windowoff the monitor of the server (step S33).

[0066]FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the creation of the aboveperformance information file according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. The function information file 400 (showed in FIG. 7) iscreated based on the specifications of a controlled apparatus (stepS41).

[0067] Based on the function information file 400, performanceinformation file 500 (showed in FIG. 7) is created by editing the setupwindow (showed in FIG. 15A) using function editor 300 (showed in FIG.7)(step S42).

[0068] The performance information file 500 is output (step S43), andstored in a preferable recording medium (step S44).

[0069] The function information file 400 is created based on thespecifications of the controlled apparatus (including the informationabout the platform and the interface of a computer embedded in thecontrolled apparatus). Accordingly, the performance information file 500that is created based on the function information file 400 using thefunction editor 300 automatically complies with the specifications ofthe controlled apparatus. The control frame (setup frame) alsoautomatically complies with the specifications of the controlledapparatus since the control frame is generated as a result of theregistration of the controlled apparatus as described by reference toFIGS. 3 and 4. The controlled apparatus can process the setup frame assoon as the controlled apparatus receives the setup frame. In addition,function performance unit 200 reads performance information file 500 andperforms each function sequentially in accordance with functions andtransition destinations indicated in the performance information file.As a result, function performance unit 200 enables the operator toperform a desired control operation.

[0070] By reference to FIG. 8, the creation of a setup window, that is,the creation of a performance information file according to anembodiment of the present invention will be described. This example isthe case wherein, as described above by reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, asetup window is created for controlling a controlled apparatus bytransmitting a control frame to the controlled apparatus and receiving aresponse frame returned by the controlled apparatus in response to thecontrol frame.

[0071] At first, the specification of the performance information fileis created as the function information file 400. The specificationincludes the interface of the controlled apparatus, the shape and otherspecifications of a window, dialog box, and button, and functionsperformed to implement the specifications.

[0072] Next, the operator can obtain an item of information from thefunction information file 400 and arrange it in the function informationwindow (showed in FIG. 8) using function editor 300. Specifically, theoperator can click function information showed in a function informationwindow Wi indicating the contents of function information file 400, anddrop at any position in function editorial window We (in setup window A(Ws) in function editorial window We). In the example showed in FIG. 8,the operator drags “CONTROL” at the position “3” in the functioninformation window Wi and drops at an arbitrary position in the setupwindow A (Ws). After dropping the “CONTROL”, the operator can display apull-down menu of candidates to be “controlled” contained in the controlinformation by right-clicking. The operator can select a desired objectout of the candidates. In this example, the operator selects “apparatus”that is a default value.

[0073] In the same manner, the operator drags “FUNCTION” at a position“2” and drops the “FUNCTION” at an arbitrary position in the setupwindow A (Ws). The operator right-clicks to pull-down the menu ofcandidates of “FUNCTION” and selects one of the candidates. In thisexample, the operator selects “setup” that is a default value.

[0074] The operator can create the performance information file 500 byarranging various information items in the function editorial window Weusing the function editor 300 and storing the information of the setupwindow as a file.

[0075]FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the registration process ofapparatuses that is performed by the operator. This flow chartcorresponds to that of the server showed in FIGS. 3 and 4. The functionperformance unit 200 reads the performance information file 500 anddisplays the setup window Ws (apparatus setup window in this case) asshowed in FIG. 15A based on the information stored in the performanceinformation file 500 (step S51). The operator inputs parameters such asa floor number of a remote building, apparatus group number, apparatusnumber, and IP address of the apparatus, in corresponding setup boxes inthe setup window (step S52). The operator clicks “SETUP” button Ks whenthe operator completes inputting (step S53). The server automaticallytransmits a control frame input by the operator to the designated IPaddress.

[0076] The function performance unit 200 displays a dialog box “Waitingfor response”, and waits for a response frame returned by the controlledapparatus (step S54). In response to the reception of the responseframe, the function performance unit 200 displays a certain dialog boxdepending on the contents of the response frame. If the response frameindicates that the controlled apparatus is normal, the functionperformance unit 200 stores the information about the controlledapparatus in a predetermined database.

[0077]FIG. 10 is an example of the function information file 400, andFIG. 11 is an example of the performance information file 500.

[0078] The specific procedure to create the apparatus setup window Wsshowed in FIG. 15A will be described by reference to FIGS. 12, 13, and14.

[0079]FIG. 12A indicates the function editorial window We and thefunction information file Wi in the background wherein “FUNCTION ID” ofthe function information file is dragged and dropped in the functioneditorial window We. The pull-down menu of the candidates of functionsis further displayed. Since “SETUP WINDOW” is selected, the setup windowWs is further displayed on the function editorial window We. As aresult, as showed in FIG. 12B, a code 0001000 (see FIG. 17)corresponding to the “SETUP WINDOW” is placed at the position of“FUNCTION ID01” of the frame format (showed in FIG. 16).

[0080]FIG. 13A shows the case wherein the item “OBJECT” is furtherdragged from the function information window Wi and dropped in the setupwindow Ws. The pull-down menu shows candidates of the object to becontrolled, and the item “apparatus” is selected. An “apparatus” box Bais displayed on the setup window Ws. Furthermore, the pull-down menu ofparameters associated with the object “apparatus” is displayed in the“apparatus” box by right-clicking at an arbitrary position of the“apparatus” box. Since the item “floor” is selected, a block “floor” Bfis displayed. As a result, as showed in FIG. 13B, a code 00000001 (seeFIG. 19) is put in the position “controlled object” of the frame format.

[0081] Furthermore, FIG. 14 shows the case wherein the item “OPERATION”is dragged from the function information window Wi and dropped at anarbitrary position in the “setup” window Ws. A pull-down menu ofoperations is displayed by right-clicking, and “setup” and “exit”buttons Ks and Ke are created.

[0082] When the setup window Ws (showed in FIG. 15A) is opened from themain window as described above, the function performance unit 200 loads,in the memory, a setup frame (control frame) in which the “setup” codeis put at the position of function ID and the “apparatus” code is put atthe position of the controlled object. The function performance unit 200writes input data in each item of the setup frame by following theoperator's operation. When the setup button Ks is clicked, the functionperformance unit 200 writes a “setup” code at the position of“operation”, and activates the executable program module 110 (showed inFIG. 7B) that transmits the setup frame.

[0083] As described above, the management window is created using theinformation items of the information frame stored in the functioninformation file. When the function performance unit performs amanagement operation on a managed apparatus, the function performanceunit retrieves the parameters stored in the function information file400 and runs a corresponding program module. The parameters retrievedfrom the function information file are assured to fit thespecifications, such as platform and interface, of the managedapparatus. Since an appropriate information frame is transmitted to themanaged apparatus depending on its specifications, the managed apparatuscan process the information frame and respond to it without much delay.

[0084]FIGS. 16 through 32 are schematic drawings showing the contents ofthe function information file. FIG. 7B is a block diagram illustratingthe structure of the function performance unit 200 that performsmanagerial operations using the performance information file 500 createdby a method of performing a managerial operation according to anembodiment of the present invention FIG. 17 is a table of items that isset up at the position of the “function ID” of the frame showed in FIG.16. This table defines various windows and their function types that arethe basis of the performance information file. This table includes thefollowing columns.

[0085] “Identification” indicates the name of functions.

[0086] “Information frame length” indicates the effective length (bytes)of an information frame.

[0087] “Position in frame” indicates the position of the code in theinformation frame.

[0088] “Code length” indicates the effective length (bits) of the codethat is unique for each function.

[0089] “Code” indicates the binary code that is unique for eachfunction.

[0090] “Default” indicates whether a function is default. “1” indicatesthat the function is default.

[0091] “Shape” indicates the shape of a window or a dialog box that isspecified separately.

[0092] “Display title” indicates the title to be indicated in the titlebar of the window or the dialog box.

[0093]FIG. 18 is a table of items that is set up at the position of the“operation” of the frame showed in FIG. 16. This table defines anoperation that is performed in response to the performance informationfile. This table includes the following columns.

[0094] “Classification” indicates operations that are performed inresponse to the performance information file.

[0095] “Function ID” indicates the function ID in which the operation isassignable.

[0096] “Position in frame” indicates the position of the code in theinformation frame.

[0097] “Code length” indicates the effective length (bits) of the codethat is unique for each operation.

[0098] “Code” indicates the binary code that is unique for eachoperation.

[0099] “Default” indicates whether a function is default. “1” indicatesthat the function is default.

[0100] “Shape” indicates the shape of a window or dialog button that isspecified separately.

[0101] “Display title” indicates the title to be indicated in the windowor dialog button.

[0102] “Execution” indicates a program module that is executed uponoperation.

[0103] “Transition” indicates a window or a dialog after the operationis performed (after the program module is executed).

[0104]FIG. 19 is a table of items that is set up at the position of the“managed object” of the frame showed in FIG. 16. This table defines theobjects that are managed based on the performance information file. Thistable includes the following columns.

[0105] “Classification of object” indicates the objects that aremanaged.

[0106] “Function ID” indicates the function ID that is set up.

[0107] “Position in frame” indicates the position of the code in theinformation frame.

[0108] “Code length” indicates the effective length (bits) of the codethat is unique for each object.

[0109] “Code” indicates the binary code that is unique for each object.

[0110] “Default” indicates whether an object is selected in case ofdefault when a frame ID is selected and dropped. “1” indicates that theobject is default.

[0111] “Shape” indicates the shape of a button box or a window dialogthat is specified separately.

[0112] “Display title” indicates the title to be indicated in the windowor dialog.

[0113] “Parameter” indicates a set of parameters for managing themanaged object.

[0114]FIG. 20 is a table of items that is set up at the position of the“parameter” of the frame showed in FIG. 16. This table defines theparameters of the managed object that is selected above. This tableincludes the following columns.

[0115] “Classification of parameter” indicates parameters to be set upon the managed object.

[0116] “Function ID” indicates the function ID that is set up. In thecase of “IP address”, the IP address of the managed object to which theinformation frame is transmitted.

[0117] “Position in frame” indicates the position of the parameter inthe information frame. In the case of “IP address”, “position” is “DB”indicating that the setup frame information is stored in a database.

[0118] “Number of characters” indicates the number of characters used toindicate the setup value of the parameter. The size of edit boxes Ba,Bf, Bg, Bn, and Bi, for example, is determined based on this number.

[0119] “Default” indicates whether a parameter is selected in case ofdefault when a frame ID is selected and dropped. “1” indicates that theparameter is default.

[0120] “Shape” indicates the shape of a button box or a window dialogthat is specified separately.

[0121] “Display title” indicates the title to be indicated in a box.

[0122] FIGS. 21-25 indicate specific contents of the above parameters.

[0123]FIG. 21 is a table used for selection of “floor 1” of remotebuildings. This table includes the following columns.

[0124] This parameter is indicated by numerals 1-9 and alphabets A-Z.

[0125] “Code length” indicates the effective length (bits) of theparameter.

[0126] “Code” indicates the binary code that is unique for each floor.For example, the code “00110000” corresponds to the floor “0” and thecode “00110001” corresponds to the floor “1”.

[0127] “Default” indicates whether a floor is selected in case ofdefault when a parameter “floor 1” is dropped. “1” indicates that thefloor is default.

[0128] “Setup value” indicates a value that is set at the parameter“floor 1”.

[0129] “Character” indicates the classification of characters used toset up the parameter defined separately.

[0130]FIG. 22 is a table used for selection of “floor 2” in the samemanner as FIG. 21. This table defines parameters related to “floor 2”.The contents of this table are identical to the table showed in FIG. 21.“Setup value” ranges between 00 and 99.

[0131]FIG. 23 is a table used to select a “group”. A “group” isidentified by a “setup value” A-Z, and a binary “code” uniquelycorresponds to the “setup value”. The other columns of this table areidentical to those of the tables showed in FIGS. 21 and 22.

[0132]FIG. 24 shows a table used to select an “apparatus number”. An“setup value” is a unique number assigned to each managed apparatus foridentification. The “setup value” is a four-digit numeral 0000-9999 inthis case. A binary “code” also uniquely corresponds to each managedapparatus. The other columns “code length”, “default”, and “shape” arethe same as above.

[0133]FIG. 25 shows a table used to select an “IP address” of a managedapparatus. The IP addresses are listed in the column “code”, and a“setup value” 0000-9999 uniquely corresponds to each IP address. Theother columns “code length”, “default”, and “shape” are the same asabove.

[0134] FIGS. 26-29 show tables related to the field “response tocommand” in the performance information file.

[0135]FIG. 26 shows a table indicating what to do in response to areception of a response frame. This table includes the followingcolumns.

[0136] “Classification of response” indicates the response from themanaged apparatus.

[0137] “Function ID” indicates the function ID corresponding to eachresponse command.

[0138] “Position in frame” indicates the position of the code in theinformation frame.

[0139] “Code length” indicates the effective length (bits) of a code.

[0140] “Code” is a binary code to identify the response.

[0141] “Shape” indicates the shape of a button box or a window dialogthat is specified separately.

[0142] “Display title” indicates the name of the response that is showedin the window or dialog box.

[0143] “Detailed description” indicates the contents of the “detaileddescription” frame.

[0144] “Transition” indicates a window or a dialog the functionperformance unit 200 moves to in response to the completion of theoperation (after the executive program module is executed).

[0145]FIG. 27 shows a command response-readout table. This tableindicates whether the function performance unit performs reading(normal) or terminates the process and returns to the setup window(abnormal/non-executable). The contents to be input are the same as FIG.26.

[0146]FIG. 28 shows a table indicating the operation to be performed inresponse to a reception of command response from a managed apparatus.The contents to be input are the same as FIG. 26.

[0147]FIG. 29 shows a table of waiting-for-response dialog. This tabledefines the case in detail wherein the function performance unit movesto waiting-for-response time out and let the operator confirm. Thecontents of the table are as follows.

[0148] “Classification of response” indicates the name of response ofreceived information from the managed object.

[0149] “Shape” defines the size of the dialog box of which details arespecified separately.

[0150] “Display title” is indicated in the window or the dialog.

[0151] “Timer” is a time period (seconds) for which the functionperformance unit 200 waits for a response. If “timer value” is “00”, thetimer is not activated.

[0152] “Transition” is the window or dialog to which the functionperformance unit 200 moves when it receives a response within the timelimit.

[0153] “Transition if timeout” is the window or dialog to which thefunction performance unit 200 moves when it fails to receive a responsewithin the time limit. An “OK” button is disposed in the timeout dialog.

[0154]FIGS. 30A, 30B, and 30C show tables of various display itemsspecified by “shape” as described above. The function performance unit200 stores these display items therein and displays a display item basedon the item number, title, and designated size specified by the previousfunction.

[0155] The above character information is also stored in the functionperformance unit. The function performance unit displays screens(windows) using a usable character set designated by the character setnumber. The function performance unit further checks characters input bythe operator by reference to the usable character set. FIG. 31 shows atable indicating usable character sets.

[0156] The “detailed description” of the information frame is coded byan 8-digit binary code. The 8-digit binary codes are listed withcorresponding detailed descriptions in a “detailed description” tableaccording to an embodiment showed in FIG. 32. When the functionperformance unit receives a detailed description code, correspondingdetailed description is displayed in the screen by reference to thistable. “Frame position” indicates the position of the code in theinformation frame. In another embodiment, the frame position may bechanged if the position of the code is changed in the information frame.

[0157] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are describedabove in connection with the management of a network system. The presentinvention is not limited to these embodiments, but various variationsand modifications may be made without departing from the scope of thepresent invention.

[0158] This patent application is based on Japanese priority patentapplication No. 2002-00120-7 filed on Jan. 8, 2002, the entire contentsof which are hereby incorporated by reference.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of performing a control operation on atarget apparatus, comprising: a step of creating a function informationfile describing control functions of said target apparatus; a step offorming a control window by gathering the control functions stored insaid function information file; a step of storing said control window ina performance information file; and a step of performing said controloperation by retrieving said control window from said performanceinformation file.
 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said stepof forming said control window further comprises a step of disposing aset of control functions stored in said function information file on aneditorial screen.
 3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidfunction information file further describes an order for implementingeach control function.
 4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidfunction information file further describes shape and titles of awindow, a dialog box, and an icon for implementing each control functionstored in said function information file.
 5. The method as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said function information file further describes a linkbetween each control function and specific information of parameters;and said step of performing said control operation further comprises astep of checking parameters by linking to said specific information ofsaid parameters when performing said control operation.
 6. The method asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said function information file furtherdescribes classification and length of a transmission frame that istransmitted to said target apparatus.
 7. The method as claimed in claim1, wherein said function information file further describes a frameposition, code length, and a code of each control function.
 8. Themethod as claimed in claim 1, wherein said function information filefurther describes possible responses to an information frame transmittedto said target apparatus and respective destinations of transition. 9.The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said function information filefurther describes a time limit to wait for a response frame and adestination to transition to if a response frame is not received withinsaid time limit.
 10. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidfunction information file further describes a reference to informationabout display items.
 11. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidstep of performing said control operation further comprises a step ofdetermining a display item and a destination of transition depending ona given time limit.
 12. The method as claimed in claim 1, said step ofperforming said control operation further comprises a step of displayingthe control window by referring to table information stored in theperformance information file.
 13. An apparatus that performs a controloperation on a target apparatus, comprising: a function editing unitthat forms a control window by gathering control functions stored in afunction information file describing control functions of said targetapparatus; and a performing unit that performs said control operation byretrieving said control window from a performance information file. 14.The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein said function informationfile further describes a link between each control function and specificinformation of parameters; and said performing unit further checks saidparameters by linking to said specific information of said parameterswhen performing said control operation.
 15. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 13, wherein said function information file further describesclassification and information length of an information frame that istransmitted to said target apparatus.
 16. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 13, wherein said function information file further describes aframe position, code length, and a code of each of the controlfunctions.
 17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein saidfunction information file further describes possible responses to aninformation frame transmitted to said target apparatus and respectivedestinations of transition.
 18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13,wherein said function information file further describes a time limit towait for a response frame and a destination to transition to if theresponse frame is not received within said time limit.
 19. The apparatusas claimed in claim 13, wherein said function information file furtherdescribes a reference to information about display items.
 20. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein said performance informationfile further describes shape and title of said control window.